CE: Parallel Gospels
📖 Parallel Gospels
Each Gospel Adds More Light About Jesus!
🧩 What Does “Parallel Gospels” Mean?
The first four books in the New Testament—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are called the Gospels.
They all tell the same story: the life of Jesus!
But they don’t all tell it the exact same way.
Why?
Because as the disciples learned more about Jesus, they wrote more details!
✍️ Mark Was First
The Gospel of Mark came first. It was short and focused on the big events in Jesus’ ministry.
It was based on what Peter taught, especially for people who didn’t grow up Jewish.
📜 Then Came Matthew
Later, the disciples realized something amazing:
The whole story of Israel was like a picture of Jesus!
So when Matthew wrote his Gospel, he added things that show how:
- Jesus came out of Egypt, just like Israel did
- Jesus was tested in the wilderness, just like Israel
- Jesus gave a new teaching from a mountain, just like Moses
Matthew added parables and Old Testament quotes to help explain this!
🌍 Then Came Luke
Next, they saw that even the people before Israel—like Adam—were pictures of Jesus too!
So Luke added even more:
- He traced Jesus’ family all the way back to Adam
- He changed the order of the temptations to show how Jesus won where Adam failed
- He told the story of the Prodigal Son, showing how Jesus came to bring people back to God
Luke’s Gospel showed that Jesus came for everyone, not just Israel!
✝️ Then Came John
By the time John wrote his Gospel, the disciples had seen so much in the Bible about Jesus.
John didn’t retell all the same stories—instead, he focused on the deep meaning behind them.
He started with the same words as Genesis:
“In the beginning…” And then showed that Jesus was the Word—the One who created everything!
💬 Final Thought
Each Gospel builds on the one before.
- Mark is the beginning
- Matthew adds the story of Israel
- Luke adds the story of Adam and all people
- John shows us the deep truths behind it all
That means the more we read, the more we can see Jesus—just like the disciples did!
📝 Activity Page: Puzzle of the Gospels
1. 🧠 Who Added What?
Match the Gospel to what it shows:
| Gospel | What It Teaches |
|---|---|
| Mark | A. Jesus is the Second Adam |
| Matthew | B. The simple story of Jesus’ ministry (short and quick) |
| Luke | C. Jesus is like Israel |
| John | D. Jesus is the Word who made everything |
2. ✍️ True or Not True?
Circle T or N
- The Gospels all say different things T / N
- Matthew added parables about Israel T / N
- Luke shows Jesus came for everyone T / N
- John copied everything from Matthew T / N
3. 🔍 Gospel Timeline!
Put these in order by numbering 1 to 4:
- ___ Luke saw Jesus as the second Adam
- ___ John showed Jesus as the Word
- ___ Mark told the simple story
- ___ Matthew connected Jesus to Israel
4. 🎯 What’s Your Favorite?
Which Gospel do you want to read more of?
🔲 Mark 🔲 Matthew 🔲 Luke 🔲 John
Why? ____________________________
5. 🙏 Prayer Time
“Dear Jesus, thank You for showing us more about You in every Gospel. Help me keep learning and finding You in every story!”
(Draw or write your prayer)
🖍️ Coloring Page Idea
Title: “The Gospels Fit Together!”
Illustration Includes:
- Four puzzle pieces labeled Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John
- Each piece showing a picture:
- Mark → a lion (fast & bold!)
- Matthew → a scroll and mountain
- Luke → a globe and family tree
- John → shining Word and stars
- Jesus in the middle, glowing
- Banner: “One Story—Four Gospels—All About Jesus!”
